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The Art of Leslie Nolan in Metro DC

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Athenaeum Invitational Exhibition

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Where Now 8 By Washington, DC Figurative Artist Leslie Nolan

See this dancing hipster of mine at the Athenaeum Invitational Exhibition through November 6.  Generously sponsored by TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty, the show opens Sunday, September 25 with a reception from 4-6 and features Megan Beyer, Executive Director for the President’s Council on the Arts and Humanities, awarding prizes.

Twig Murray, Gallery Director of the Athenaeum, conceived and organized this event.  She also scheduled a solo exhibit of my work there for August 2017.  Looking forward to that…

Mary B. Howard Exhibition at GRACE

Love the Reston Patch’s descriptive title for its story on this exhibit:  “Spectacular Art Pieces from 30 Artists Now on Display in Reston.”

https://player.vimeo.com/video/172174631

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Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan with her painting Under Wraps 4 in the Mary B. Howard Exhibition at the Greater Reston Arts Center

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Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)

On display through August.

Greater Reston Arts Ctr, 12001 Market St, Suite 103, Reston, VA 20190 – http://www.restonarts.org

Greater Reston Arts Center – GRACE

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Under Wraps 4 by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan

Mary B. Howard Artist Member Exhibition

Excited to have been chosen by curator Stefanie Fedor, Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, VA to exhibit “Under Wraps 4″ at the Greater Reston Arts Center in Reston, VA from June 30 – August 27, 2016.  Just completed two months ago, this 36″ x 48” painting forms part of a new series.

Exaggerated features, in-your-face, bold, and drippy all describe this painting.  GRACE  enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a cutting edge gallery featuring the best of current artwork from around the country.  It’s mission is to promote excellence in contemporary visual art.

Opening  Reception:  June 30, 2016, 6-8 pm

GRACE:  12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston, VA 20190    restonarts.org

 

 

 

 

Touchstone Gallery’s 40th Anniversary

This month marks Touchstone Gallery’s 40th year in existence here in Washington, DC.  An incredible accomplishment given the ups and downs of the economy coupled with the fact that so many galleries have closed over the years.  I am proud to have served as a co-owner and member from 2010 to 2014, on the Board of Directors and as two-term Vice President.

To celebrate this special anniversary, the gallery chose to invite former member artists to exhibit along with current members in a stunning show that brought out an all star cast of talented folks.  A jam packed evening with the crowd spilling out onto the sidewalk, the gallery celebrated its longevity, innovation and resilience in great style.  Lots of exciting artwork.  Kudos to Touchstone…

 Touchstone Gallery 40th Anniversary Exhibit

Open now through May 28   902 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC

The Leslie Nolan Art Studio-Water Damage

Last month my studio experienced the dreaded “water damage,” resulting in the loss of lots of older artwork, ruined walls and equipment, and finally a month long rehabilitation/reconstruction project.  During this time, of course, no new artwork could be done.

Now, however, like a phoenix this studio has been transformed into an efficient, spacious workplace.  Forced to clean out billiard and ping pong tables, hiking/camping gear, canoe, skis, etc., I ultimately found breathing and thinking room.

So, while I don’t recommend water as a method of renewal, in this case the damage spurred some much needed change. Every once in a while clearing out the space one uses for inspiration can prove stimulating to creativity.

Below, some after photographs and one image of the space in a state of massive confusion while fresh wallboard replaces the water-logged stuff.   I am definitely now ready to start some new art pieces!

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“Inner/Outer” at Susan Calloway Fine Arts

"Long Interval" Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

“Long Interval”
Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

Part of my solo exhibit with Susan Calloway Fine Arts this month, “Long Interval” exemplifies the reason I love to paint.  Fluid, gestural brushstrokes, bold color, rich paint, and loose construction all hint at a feeling of a place and time.  Whether anticipation or regret, relaxation or tension, the image of this figure conveys an ambiguous moment.  Each of us can narrate a different, but credible story for this painting.  It depends on our own unique perspective and life experiences.

The Georgetowner Art Critic Review

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Lovely review by The Georgetowner’s Ari Post of “Inner/Outer” at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC.

Opening Reception – “Inner/Outer”

Artist Leslie Nolan With Marily Mojica at Susan Calloway Fine Arts Opening

Artist Leslie Nolan With Marily Mojica at Susan Calloway Fine Arts Opening

The opening of Inner/Outer at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Georgetown brought out a lively, varied crowd on this special September evening.  The show garnered interest from Ari Post writing for The Georgetowner, as well as, Mark Jenkins for the Washington Post.

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Gallerist Susan Calloway and friends

Gallerist Susan Calloway and friends

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Installation at Susan Calloway Fine Arts

Leslie Nolan (right) with Susan Calloway, owner of Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Georgetown

Leslie Nolan (right) with Susan Calloway, owner of Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Georgetown

Yesterday we delivered ten beautiful, new paintings to Susan Calloway Fine Arts (SCFA) for my first solo exhibit at the gallery.  Susan thoughtfully had a full staff on hand to unpack and hang all the artwork.  Next thing I knew, one of my pieces was hanging front and center in the window overlooking Wisconsin Avenue – – it looks quite fine there.

It’s great to work with supportive and gracious professionals.  The gallery staff really know their business and have a great eye for matching the perfect artwork with their client’s tastes and desires.  It’s an honor to be associated with SCFA.  And, a thrill to have a big show there.

Inner/Outer by Leslie Nolan at Susan Calloway Fine Arts, 1643 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC in the heart of Georgetown on exhibit now.  Opening reception September 18th, 6-8 pm.

Installing “Mixed Messages” – Opening Sept 5

Leslie Nolan's "Mixed Messages" at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

Leslie Nolan’s “Mixed Messages” at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

Installed this solo exhibit, Mixed Messages, yesterday and today at The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, MD.  My sincere thanks to the considerable patient and willing assistance of three key people:  Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibisson, comedian and sculptor Virginia Warwick, and my wonderful husband.

Mixed Messages features figure paintings that hint at emotions which remain largely hidden in real life.  The intent of this grouping of bold images of faces and heads is to draw the viewer in to examine feelings behind the facade.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

40 South Carroll St, Frederick MD

Mixed Messages Sept 5-27, Opening Reception Sept 5th 3-5 pm

Nolan's Artworks "Pulled By What Would Be" and "Journey to the Interior"

, Nolan’s Artworks “Pulled By What Would Be” and “Journey to the Interior”

Leslie Nolan's New Artwork for the Solo Exhibit "Mixed Messages", Delaplaine Arts

Leslie Nolan’s New Artwork for the Solo Exhibit “Mixed Messages”, Delaplaine Arts

Assistants with Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibbison

Assistants with Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibbison

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